The article examines the problems of Russia’s economic security associated with the growth of unemployment. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on the development of economic relations in Russia at the present stage. The importance of state support for the real sector of the economy in a crisis is noted. Particular attention is paid to the growth of unemployment in small and medium-sized enterprises, which in a market economy are the most important indicator of the development of entrepreneurial relations.